How to choose a mattress topper

David SomersetUpdated April 17, 2017

Using a mattress topper is one to change the feeling of a mattress. Whether your new mattress is too firm or you have an old mattress that's starting to wear out, a mattress topper can help make it more comfortable. There are many types of mattress toppers available. By considering a few different things, you can choose a mattress topper that will help you get a better night's sleep.

Consider the different materials available for mattress toppers. Toppers come in many materials, including memory foam, down and latex. According to Allergy Consumer Review, allergy sufferers need to know what mattress pads are hypoallergenic. Materials like down and latex can often affect people prone to allergies.

Compare the durability of different materials. Latex will generally last the longest, while memory foam toppers require special care to keep them from ripping. If you have animals or children in your home, a more durable mattress topper is advised over one that can rip. Durability may also vary between different brands, even when they are made of the same material.

Determine how thick you want your mattress topper to be. Thicker toppers will be softer and will help make firm mattresses more comfortable. However, larger people will tend to sink farther into thicker mattress toppers, so the thickest available topper may not be the most comfortable choice.

Decide how much you want to spend on your mattress cover. Prices will vary widely between different brands and materials. A more expensive mattress topper from a reputable brand will last longer for nightly use. Cheaper mattress toppers work best for temporary use or in areas like guest bedrooms, where the mattress is used infrequently.

Visit your local bedding store and try different toppers that meet your requirements. Only by trying out different mattress toppers will you be able to choose exactly which mattress topper is best for you. Be sure to lie down on the topper in positions similar to the way you sleep at night.

Tip

Make sure that your bed sheets have deep pockets that will cover your mattress and mattress topper of the thickness you choose.

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About the Author

David Somerset has been a writer intermittently for 11 years. He attended New Mexico Tech and earned a Bachelor of Science in technical communication in 2007. From being published in the "Bucksworth Community News" to writing how-to articles for eHow, his experience is quite diverse.